The City boss first commented on his former side, who he feels are in a good state to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

“They’ve just gone about their business steady,” began Neil. “They’ve got players in the right positions, doing the business. That’s all you can do.

“Chris Wood has just won Player of the Month and when you look at some of the players they’ve got, they have invested quite well. They seem to be in a good place and their fans know it’s possible. I don’t think they’ll get carried away. They are a good, young, vibrant side with a lot of ability and they’ll quite fancy themselves in the play-offs.”

The Gaffer went on to assess his City side’s performances in recent games, and called for a strong showing at Elland Road in front of the travelling Bluebirds support.

“Craig [Noone] was positive when he came on last time out, and so was Rhys [Healey]. He will get an opportunity between now and the end of the season. I see him playing the role behind the striker as well as at the forefront – I think he’s got the ability to do that.

“You just look at each game. Every game has something about it. We’ve got Derby next Tuesday too, and I just prepare the players as best I can for the game we’ve got that week. This will be no different. It is a great stadium to play your football in though, so we’ll be well up for it.

“The fans have been fantastic. That’s why in the next couple of months I’m going out into the Valleys to the supporters’ clubs on three or four occasions.

“I enjoy the passion of the fans. They’re the bread and butter of your club really – the diehards. The weather and the travel don’t put them off. They’re there every week and it’s almost a religion for them.”